Subsystems

PF2e provides structured subsystems for complex non-combat scenarios that go beyond a single skill check.

A chase is structured as a series of obstacles, each requiring a skill check to overcome. The chase has a set number of obstacles (typically 4-6). Each round, participants attempt to overcome the current obstacle using an appropriate skill.

• Success: Advance past the obstacle
• Critical success: Advance and gain a lead (or close distance)
• Failure: Stuck at the obstacle; try again next round
• Critical failure: Stuck and suffer a setback (injury, lost item, etc.)

The chase ends when one side overcomes all obstacles or the gap becomes too large.

Infiltration subsystem models heist-style scenarios:

1. Preparation phase — Characters gather information, establish covers, and acquire tools. Each preparation action gives a bonus or unlocks an approach during the infiltration.
2. Infiltration points — Characters earn Infiltration Points (IP) by succeeding at challenges. Accumulating enough IP completes the infiltration.
3. Awareness — Failures increase an Awareness counter. If Awareness reaches its threshold, the infiltration is blown and the group is caught.
4. Complications — Between challenges, the GM may introduce complications that require immediate attention.

The research subsystem structures investigation and study:

• A research topic has a level and a number of Research Points (RP) needed to complete.
• Each research attempt uses a relevant skill; success earns RP, critical success earns bonus RP.
• Different skills may unlock different facets of the same topic.
• Failure earns no RP; critical failure introduces false leads.

Used for social scenarios (convincing a council, swaying a crowd):

• NPCs have Influence thresholds and preferred/rejected skills.
• Characters make skill checks to gain Influence with specific NPCs.
• Discovery checks reveal NPC preferences before attempting to influence them.